My new to me boat

[aksor]

Hi Gang

I'm a new member and happen to come across your forum when i was looking for restoration ideas on boats.

I happened to go to an auction last Saturday with my old man who was looking to bid on a Smartcar and I was just hanging around and walking the lot when the bidding started and I ended up buying this 1980 17' Tempest with a 140HP Mercruiser 3L inboard/outboard for $800

I figured it will be a good project for the summer.

Here is what I have found so far on the boat:

Rust marks on the top cover of the Bow looks like it was parked under a rusty metal roof as a test I tried wet sanding with 180 grain sandpaper and its coming off is this a good choise to remove the rust spots?

The floor has a few soft spots so it will have to gutted the seat cushions are duct taped and the bases are on the way out.

Hooked up a battery and water muffs and tried to start her she turns over but failed to start.

The power trim and tilt seems to be working, the blower works, the horn works , the lights work, the trim gauge has no needle visible, the bilge pump does not turn on (does it need to be in water to turn on?)

The oil looks looks like oil so far but thats all I got to do before it stared to rain and had to cover it up.

So it looks like I have my work cut out for me.

I noticed that the gas filler is in the bow and wondering if the fuel tank is located there also before I start tearing up the floors and making an expensive discovery.

http://picasaweb.google.com/aksor71/Desktop?feat=directlink

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: My new to me boat

Welcome to iboats!!!

Nice boat. Try to use comet cleanser and rubbing compound first. Sanding should come much later if all else fails.

Check your transom and basically inspect the heclk out of it. Look for signs of wood delamination, wet foam, wet wood.

Have fun!!

 

[capped]

Re: My new to me boat

I like this rig, looks like it has put some work in.

 

[rjwoodrome]

Re: My new to me boat

Or try turtlewax brand rubbing compound, heavy duty cleaner. and a cheap buffer from walmart. buy extra bonnets. the thing will come back to life. apearance wise. good luck with the motor. got a manuel yet?
check the obvious first bro. compression, spark, fuel, air,

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: My new to me boat

Two questions:
Did your dad get the Smartcar?
Will it be your tow vehicle? LOL If so, send photos.

Good luck with the project. Welcome to the forum.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: My new to me boat

Comet, Heavy rubbing compound, light rubbing compound, wax, wax, wax and more wax.
A buffer will make life a lot easier for you but remember.....there is no quick way to make it shiny and beautiful but with enough time and effort you will get there.

 

[Action]

Re: My new to me boat

Good purchase for $800.00! There is a family on the same lake as me that has the same boat with a 140 merc I/O. They put a new top on it, seats and restored the outside, looks good. I believe yes the tank is in the bow on that boat since it is a closed bow, I think they placed it there to put weight up there. Almost 100% sure on that.
Take a power buffer to the side with a good compound and wax, should bring the colour up a lot and get rid of that oxidization.

 

[AluminumFalcon]

Re: My new to me boat

Get some 3M marine grade rubbing compound.. it is amazing stuff, just read the directions and be amazed..

 

[aksor]

Re: My new to me boat

Wholly Cow !!!

Man that was quick bunch of replies I never expected that many

Thanks guys I will try you suggestions. But first thing first I need to know if the engine is healty will try to get her going this weekend.

I downloaded the service Manual for the engine and the outboard.

The fun begins very soon!!!

 

[aksor]

Re: My new to me boat

Two questions:
Did your dad get the Smartcar?
Will it be your tow vehicle? LOL If so, send photos.

Good luck with the project. Welcome to the forum.

Nope he got outbid

Man I would have taken a picture with it in front of the boat that would have been Priceless

 

[aksor]

Re: My new to me boat

News update for today!

Temperature shut up to 27 degrees Celsius so I decided to check out the engine.

I checked the engine fro any signs of cracks but found none I removed the drain plugs and it was bone dry good sign!

Looks like the impeller is shot or something is plugged up because there is no water getting to the engine with the muffs on at all. The thermostat housing is bone dry .

But I did want to make sure the engine is working else I would be making the for sale sign!

So I made and adapter that hooks strait to the thermostat housing. and turned on the garden hose.

I'm happy to say that she is running well but I will have to revisit the Impeller issue.

Then I decided to gut the interior and see how badly damaged the floor is and after today I have to say that the floor and all 3 stringers need replacement .

I have my work cut out for me.

How do I go about replacing the stringers and making sure they are the right shape?